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The Gardens of Taxco
Master Critic Review
The Gardens of Taxco
8.2
Family-owned and 'born in the sauce' since 1971, this takeout-focused gem serves authentic Mexican comfort food at wallet-friendly prices. Their garlic chicken and carnitas in salsa verde have earned a devoted following among locals who appreciate generous portions and homestyle cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Chicken (Salsa de Ajo), Carnitas in Salsa Verde, Al Pastor Tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Five decades of family recipes at takeout prices
Who should go: Locals seeking authentic flavors without fuss
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for quick pickup
What to order: Garlic chicken plate, hard shell tacos, horchata
Insider tip: Call ahead during peak hours to avoid wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot behind building fills quickly, metered street parking on Santa Monica Blvd
Dress code: Come as you are - it's a casual takeout counter
Noise level: Busy counter area with orders being called, no dine-in seating
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for pickup orders, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait for walk-in orders
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese options, veggie quesadillas
Vegan options: Very limited - beans cooked with lard, ask for modifications
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - it's takeout only with no seating. Better for grabbing food for a picnic date elsewhere
Can I get a table without a reservation? No tables available - this is a takeout-only establishment with a small counter area for ordering
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for families doing takeout - generous portions and mild options available, but no space to dine with children
Best For
Better for: Authentic family recipes at unbeatable prices - half the cost of trendy taco spots with twice the flavor
Skip if: You need a sit-down dining experience or Instagram-worthy ambiance